John Philip Pendleton

John Philip Pendleton

Ventura, CA

When John Philip Pendleton departed this life, Southern California lost a true original whose passion for history and popular culture made him a huge presence in college classrooms for more than four decades. His family and friends lost an unforgettable character whose enduring love and care never wavered. This was a man who never met a stranger, and rarely forgot any fact. He could easily recite everything from classical poetry, movie lines and song lyrics to famous political oration. John taught his final class in May 2018 at Ventura College before succumbing to the illness that took his life on Aug. 21 at his home with his wife of 48 years by his side.

He was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on April 26, 1947 to parents June Bird and Walter Pendleton. The family, which also included siblings Roger and Mary, moved to Encino, CA when he was three years old, finally settling in the idyllic small town of Santa Paula in 1953. He loved living in a house with a walnut orchard in its backyard where he could not only run and play with his dog Taffy but also have a place to reflect. He loved sports and was well-liked by many, who elected him president of his elementary school. His lifelong love of driving began with a '57 Chevy, painted British Racing Green, which became his pride and joy.

John met Stephanie Bush in 1966 while working together at College Pharmacy in Ventura. The two would later attend UC Santa Barbara together. They were married in 1970 and were later blessed with two sons, Michael and Matthew. John was a devoted father who loved spending time with his family, participating in sports and school activities. He was always supportive of his children's varying interests, instilling a love of creativity and humanistic values which inspired them greatly. Another blessing came with the arrival of grandson Graham in 2014 which brought newfound joy.

In 1974 John received his Ph.D. from UCSB where his post-graduate thesis provided the foundation for a brand new college course, American Popular Cultural History.

Later he developed a nationwide series on popular culture through UC San Diego. He co-authored the textbook for the course, Popular Culture: Mirror of American Life in 1977, with pioneering communications scholar David Manning White.

His extensive vitae is brought to life by the generations of students at some 15 universities throughout Southern California, who recall this eccentric professor with his unique theatrical style. With a genial and giant spirit combined with amazing persuasive powers, Dr. Pendleton brought an entire new way of thinking about history. Students rewarded him with classrooms filled the first day of registration and as "Professor of the Year" at UCSB. He was a nationally recognized authority on the subject of Heroes and a pioneer and author in the field of Popular Culture.

As gifted as he was with college students, Dr. Pendleton was truly in his element teaching in the Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel) and Osher programs where he lectured on subjects such as The Roosevelt Presidency to people who had actually lived it.

Dr. Pendleton was fond of using music in the classroom and in this way he shared his deep love of significant lyrical content. The song "Abraham, Martin and John" by Dion is a perfect example of how he illustrated a specific point in history. In this case, the way America felt in 1968 - having very recently lost Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy - came to life simply yet brilliantly. A special moment of his life was when Kennedy's limo pulled up next to John on the freeway and the candidate flashed him a peace sign, having given a campaign speech in Ventura that day.

Dr. Pendleton was a frequent public speaker on various social, political, and cultural topics. He served as a researcher for television documentaries on President Eisenhower and the history of American immigration. In 1994 CNN called upon his wisdom during the coverage of the trial of O.J. Simpson. One of his favorite publications was The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet he co-authored for the Journal of Popular Culture with longtime friend and colleague James Joslyn, based on interviews with the Nelsons in 1971 and 1972. At his death, he was putting finishing touches on the definitive book of his life and career, Identity Crisis: American Heroism, Innovation and Popular Culture Since 1945.

John's true refuge was his home, where he enjoyed rooting for the Anaheim Angels, watching late night talk shows and planning road trips to visit grandson Graham and family. A fan of many musical genres, his favorite was by far the doo-wop he grew up with in the 1950's and 60's.

John will be greatly missed by his wife, Stephanie, his son Matthew (wife Megan and their son Graham) of Carmichael, brother Roger Pendleton (wife Yvonne) of Texas, sister Mary Deines (husband Glenn) of Santa Paula, step-sister Jennifer Welsh of Texas, nephews Jeff Pendleton (wife Phylis) of Kentucky, Mark Chisholm (wife Melanie) of Santa Paula and Brad Chisholm (wife Kate) of Ventura, Jay Pendleton (wife Ashley) of Texas, nieces Jocelyn Pendleton of Kentucky and Leah Owings (husband Jeff) of Texas, and grand-nieces and nephews Jared, Christian and Anne Haley, Avery, Lillie and Grafton, Lucas and Hudson, Daniel, Oriole and Olive.

Preceding him in death is John's cherished son, Michael, his mother June Welsh and stepfather Gordon and his father Walt Pendleton and stepmother Mary.

The family is grateful for all the wonderful nurses and doctors who cared for John, especially Dr. Alex Meyer.

Following private graveside services, there will be a Celebration of John Pendleton's Life beginning at 1:30 on Friday, September 7 at the Deines residence, 1048 Corte Paloma in Santa Paula. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blanchard Library in Santa Paula.

For map and directions to ceremony locations and to sign the family's online guestbook, share stories and post pictures please visit our website: www.santapaulafuneralhome.com and click on John's name located below "Recent Obituaries".

Funeral Arrangements are under the direction of the Family Owned and Operated ROBERT REY GARCIA JR FUNERAL SERVICES, Santa Paula, CA 93060. 805.229.7054